What makes a good speaker?

Objectifs de la leçon:

to understand what your learning style is and how to improve your memory

to understand what makes a good speaker

To learn techniques/tips to help you become more confident

First, let’s look at what learner you are…

Visual Learner

• You…You…• learn best by seeing• speak quickly, hold your head up,

shoulders straight• are a good long term planner• are a good speller• memorise by strong visual associations

Auditory Learner

You…You…• learn best through hearing• like to listen to talks, music • are a good story teller• talks to yourself (first sign of madness eh eh)

• like talking more than writing• are easily distracted by noise

Kinaesthetic Learner

• You…You…• learn best by doing and through movement• are often a good athlete • speak more slowly• memorise by moving around, walking etc..• gesture a lot• don’t mind clutter/mess on your desk/in

bedroom…• use action words when speaking• want to act things out

Memory and you…

Why we all need visual memory

The key is to match your learning style to the way in which you are going to be tested for your speaking exam

Because most tests are written, and retrieval of verbal information (words) is greatly enhanced when the learner has stored pictures in their brain/is using visual memory, all learners will want to improve their ability to ‘visualise’ when they learn.

Why music will enhance memory

One beat per second music relaxes the heart, blood pressure reduces, you feel more relaxed but your mind stays in an alert state

Why you are what you eat!

If you eat peanuts or raw almonds about 20 minutes before exams, some research has found that you think better and faster. Eating protein helps you to think more clearly for longer periods of time. (N/A for those with nut allergies obviously!)

Techniques to help you remember your speaking exam

Look over the material (topics for eg) before you read it thoroughly.Check the questions titles and any key word in each answer.This gives the brain an overview of what’s in the topics

Summarise

Read for a purpose.

Read to answer your own questions (topics/pres).

Read

In a notebook, turn all the paragraphs (presentation for eg) into questions for you to answer.Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

Question

Recite the material to yourself.Create spider diagrams with pictures that summarise what you have read.Hold the summary up to your visual memory and rehearse the material.Snap a picture of your summary and place it in your visual memory.

Remember

Review material just before the testUse your visual memory Listen to 60-beat per second music to accelerate your learningSit or stand exactly as you do when you are feeling your most successful!

Review

Now, what makes a good speaker…

Volume

oAll words can be heard and understood easily

oYou stress and emphasize certain word/phrases to focus attention and add interest to what you are saying

oCertain words are said a little differently to give them a special meaning

Pace

oPace is appropriate: you are not speaking too slowly or too quickly

oYour French is flowing fluently rather than words being said one after the other

oYou know when to pause when you reach the end of sentences

Pronunciation

oYour pronunciation is clear and precise

oYou know not to pronounce silent letters in words

oYou make sure that “é” /”tion” sounds for eg are heard clearly

Accuracy

oThe language is appropriate to the topic asked

oYou are using the correct tenses depending on the question asked/topic you are talking about

oYou give answers with the correct word order

oYou give answers with opinions,connectives,adverbs…

To finish…what can help you before and during

the exam…

oLearn to put your hand up in class to contribute to activities to build up your confidence

oKnow that most people in the class are as shy as you when speaking French

oImagine there is no one else in the room

oThink about how a French person would say the words

oPractise at home out loud to get used to the sound of your French voice. Practise with a friend according to your learning style

oKnow that it’s ok to make mistakes when you are practising in class. I will help you correct the pronunciation

oMake Q cards of your work to help you break it down. It will look less daunting

oCome to revision classes after school to practise in small groups or 1-1

oDo a “real time exam” practise as it will show you exactly what to expect on the day…

oThe more you practise with me the more comfortable you will get (TRUST ME )

On the day…oWhy not bring a lucky charm?

oYou will be sat opposite me with a table and tape recorder between us so sit tall to show you are in control and you know your answers

oTry to sit still and not move your legs or play with papers on the table

oThink about your visual memory and “see” your answers in your brain

oYou can mime the answers as you say them if you learnt certain action for words when revising

oSpeak clear and loud enough

oDon’t slouch on your chair

oAvoid “eum” after every word/phrases

oTake deep breaths and remember that in 10-12 min time it will be all over

Grades for speaking

Grade A

Grade C

Bonne chance!